Lin's POV
Tenzin and I are sitting on my couch in the living room when the question first pops up,"Lin, what do you think about... having children, our future?"
He must know the answer by now. "Tenzin, I'm the chief of police. I wouldn't have time for a child."
He sighs. Obviously he knew my answer. He is quiet for a few minutes before responding. "Lin, is there a future for us?"
"I see one, but not with children," I say. "I'm just not ready for a child," I add in hopes to appease him. Tenzin and I had been dating since we were teenagers. He always said he would marry me and we would have a future together. He asked me once to marry him when I was twenty five and my career was just taking off. I was too engrossed with my work to even think of marriage.
We sit there in silence for a while until he stood up. I stand as well. "I should get back to the island," he says. He looks disappointed.
"I'll see you tomorrow then?" I ask.
"Yes I'll stop by after your done working." We walk towards the door and I open it for him. He turns to face me before walking out the door. "Goodbye Lin," he says with a quick peck to my lips.
"See you tomorrow baldy," I say giving him a smile. He scowls at my nickname for him, but smiles and waves goodbye.
Tenzin's POV
As I leave Lin's, I think about our conversation and it starts to sink in. We are growing apart. I realize we have been for some time now but I love her so much. I always thought there would be a future between us. I decide to call Oogi with the bison whistle my father had given me. I stand there for a few moments looking into the night sky. I spot Oogi flying towards me. I climb aboard and ride towards Air Temple Island. I dismount Oogi and decide to retire for the night.
I wake up to the sun shining in my eyes. I groan as I slowly get out of bed. I slowly change out of my sleeping robes, still not yet awake. I make my way to the kitchen to see if an acolyte has prepared breakfast. Sure enough, one is up, by the name of Pema.
"Good morning Tenzin," she says cheerfully.
"Good morning Pema. What have you prepared for breakfast?" I ask curiously. It smells delicious.
"Oh, just one of your favorites," she says with a smile.
"Why, how kind of you," I say warmly. She sets two plates on the table. I eye her curiously. She never usually eats with me. She shifts uncomfortably from my gaze.
"May I?" she asks pulling out a chair.
"Of course you are welcome to eat with me, Pema." She smiles in return. We sit there silently eating, until I notice her gazing at me. I look up at her. She quickly looks away, her face pink with embarrassment. I stand up, finished with the meal. "I'm going for a walk," I say without looking back at her. I'm walking down the path when I hear quick footsteps behind me. I turn to see Pema following me.
"Would you mind if I accompany you?" she asks nervously.
"Not at all," I smile encouragingly at her. I wonder why she looked so nervous. We walk silently along the path. The sun is shining and there is a gentle warm breeze. My thoughts of the lovely weather are interrupted by Pema.
"Lovely weather, isn't it," Pema says gazing ahead.
"Yes quite lovely," I say in response. I realize it's nearly noon. Lin should be on her lunch break. Maybe I'll bring her something. I'm sure should wouldn't mind if I stopped by early. "I think that I will go see Lin on lunch break," I say aloud without realizing. Pema looks at me a little saddened, though I'm not sure why.
" I think I'll be going," I say. "It was nice walking with you, Pema."
"Yes it was," she says sounding sad that I am leaving. I turn to leave as I get out my bison whistle."Wait!" Pema says. "Don't leave."
"I'll be back later," I say a bit confused.
"Tenzin, I can't stand it anymore!" she looks me right in the eye.
"Whatever do you mean?" I am still at a loss. "What can't you stand?"
"Tenzin, I can't stand to see you with Lin."
"What do you mean you can't stand to see me with Lin?!" I interrupt angrily. She stands there quietly surprised by my outburst. "Well, go on then, Pema. Why do you dislike Lin?" I say loudly.
"I didn't say that," she finally shouts.
"Well why do you dislike my relationship with her?!" I'm fuming now. This woman has no say in my relationship with Lin.
"Because...well." she looks me right in the eye. "Tenzin, I'm in love with you!"
Please review!:) I will post another chapter if enough people like it. Thank you for reading! Just to let you know that no this is not about Pema!